THE EFFECT OF CLOUD PROCUREMENT ON PROCUREMENT PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AUTHORITY WESTERN ZONE

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examined how cloud procurement impacts procurement performance, evaluating the Western Zone of the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA). Cloud procurement tools include the e-advertisement, e-tendering, and e-sourcing, which have been internationally recognized for promoting efficiency, accountability, and transparency in public procurement. Despite this platform's potential benefits, Tanzania has been slow in adopting it given its challenges such as limited ICT infrastructure, inadequate capacitation of staff, and financial challenges. Based on the Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT), the study adopted a quantitative research design using structured questionnaires for collecting data from 60 respondents in principal procurement-related departments. The data were thereafter analyzed through descriptive statistics, correlation, and multiple regression analysis using SPSS version 25. The results show that e-advertisement, e-tendering, and e-sourcing have each massively contributed to procurement performance; with e-advertisement having the graver implication on it. Together, these best practices have improved cost savings, time, service delivery, and responsiveness in procurement. The study thus concludes that cloud procurement remains a significant supporter for improved VETA Western Zone procurement performance, but is reduced in effectiveness by technical, organizational, and financial hindrances. The study recommends the improvement of ICT infrastructure, capacity for procurement staff, and finance sustainability to allow long-time adoption of cloud systems. The results availed insights useful for policymakers and public institutions in the quest to modernize procurement processes to achieve efficiency, transparency, and value for money.